Photo courtesy of gobonnies.com
BY: SAM WEILERT; STAFF WRITER
St. Bonaventure women’s golf completed its first tournament in program history on Sept. 14 at the Charge at Quail Valley at Quail Valley Golf Club in Littlestown, Pennsylvania.
Joining six other Atlantic 10 schools with NCAA Division I women’s golf, the Bonnies became the university’s 20th sports program. Freshman Josephine Phillips discussed the significance of being part of the program’s inaugural season.
“It is a huge honor to be on this team,” said Phillips. “I have never had an opportunity like this before where I could build something and create my own legacy. I love how small a school it is; you really get to know your peers and teachers. It is a great community.”
Phillips is part of Bonaventure’s first freshman recruiting class, along with Caitrin Coyle and Lizzie Noel. Coyle explained her decision to commit to Bonaventure.
“It was definitely a risk since I was the first to commit, so he did not have a team yet,” said Coyle. “However, when I talked to coach last summer and came out for a visit, it just seemed like an opportunity that was perfect for my situation.”
Noel also discussed her decision to commit to Bonaventure.
“I had known about St. Bonaventure from a couple of friends from my high school, and I have not heard one bad thing here. It has been great so far,” said Coyle.
Senior Michaela Lauper discussed the coaching staff’s patience during the team’s slow start.
“Our coaches are amazing and understanding,” said Lauper. “They know it is our first year, and they are always very supportive on the course for us.”
Noel shared similar thoughts on the support the team has received so far.
“It was nice to get our first tournament under our belt,” said Noel. “Coach Damore has done a great job helping get rid of our nerves.”
Bonaventure finished ninth among nine teams in its first tournament. However, one of the tournament highlights came on the eighth hole, when Phillips sank a 157-yard iron shot for the first eagle in program history.
“I did not even see it go in, but my dad and high school coach were there to see it, which was really cool,” said Phillips. “It was awesome. It’s funny we are all setting new records, because there are no records to break.”
The Bonnies hope to build the program and establish a strong foundation for the future of St. Bonaventure women’s golf.
“I am really excited to help create a program where girls can come and perform at the best they can and experience Division I golf,” said Lauper. “St. Bonaventure has such a great community of athletes, and it is really cool to be a part of that.”
Noel expanded on that point.
“Moving forward, with it being the first year, it is going to take a minute to build the program, but we are all super determined to do so,” said Noel. “All the alumni are great. We are proud and happy to be here.”
The Bonnies return to competition on Sept. 28 at the Autumn Harvest tournament at Architects Golf Club in Lopatcong, New Jersey.
